Opportunity for Change - Forensic Mental Health Specialist

Opportunity for Change is an exciting new partnership between Open Sky and the Office of the District Attorney in Worcester County.  The program is designed as an upstream approach to supporting individuals with recovery and offers participants an alternative to prosecution and incarceration by participating in drug diversion program, which upon completion offers the opportunity for criminal charges to be dismissed.  The program provides assessments, care plan development, and service referrals to ensure all necessary supports are in place for success. Candidates for the program are referred from the ten district courts located within Worcester County, which include Milford, East Brookfield, Gardner, Winchendon, Uxbridge, Leominster, Fitchburg, Westborough, Clinton, and Dudley.

The Forensic Mental Health Specialist works with participants to identify engagement strategies, screen, assess and reassess for risk and protective factors. They will also establish and maintain relationships with care coordination entities, emergency service providers, outpatient clinics, and others to share information and ensure that the needs of the individual are fully met. The clinician will also provide direct supervision and support to the part time recovery support navigator for the program. 

Other Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the development and implementation of Safety Plans and Crisis Prevention and Response Plans
• Analyze data related to effectiveness of interventions via clinical review of the plan of care; identify trends and make recommendations as necessary.
• Provide crisis intervention assistance to team and people served through direct intervention or warm hand-offs and referrals as appropriate.
• Provide support and assistance to people through interventions and goal setting.

• Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology or Social Services field, required.
• Experience working with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Demonstrated knowledge of court systems and Massachusetts legal processes.
• Valid Drivers License and acceptable driving record, required. 

At Open Sky Community Services, we open our doors, hearts, and minds to the belief that every individual, regardless of perceived limitations, deserves the chance to live a productive and fulfilling life.

Open Sky is on an anti-racist journey, committed to learning, living, and breathing inclusion, opportunity, diversity, racial equity, and justice for ALL.

At Open Sky, you’ll join over 1,300 compassionate and highly trained professionals who put innovative, evidence-based practices to work in ways that positively impact our communities across Central Massachusetts and beyond.

As a trauma-informed organization, Open Sky strives for transparency and sensitivity to the experiences of those we interact with. Self-care is encouraged, and we are committed to providing a positive work culture that is focused on continuous learning and the value of diverse perspectives.

Open Sky is proud to be an industry leader in pay and benefits. Open the Door to Possibility and begin your career with Open Sky today!

 Benefits of Working for Open Sky Include:

• Excellent Supervision (Individual and Group), Professional Development, and Training Opportunities
• Generous paid time off plan – you start with 29 days (almost 6 weeks!) in your first year, including 12 paid holidays. Increases to 32 days in your 2nd year, and the current maximum is 43 days (OVER 8 WEEKS!)
• We pay for your higher education!  Ask about our Tuition Reimbursement Program, and reimbursement for a variety of Human Services certifications.
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance with Prescription Plan
• 403b Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• Life Insurance (100% Employer-Paid)
• Eligible employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• And more! 

Open Sky celebrates diversity and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with federal and state employment opportunity laws, qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, gender, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran, or disabled Veteran status.